Waterloo region candidates list sparse with registration deadline looming
The deadline for candidate registration is one week away, and still, several ridings in Waterloo region have wards with no candidates named.
Others would see candidates running unopposed.
As of Aug. 12, there are 15 seats where a candidate is set to run unopposed.
Three of those are for mayoral seats.
Candidate registration for the upcoming municipal election opened back on May 2nd and is set to close August 19.
"To be honest, I think it's a really difficult and thankless task in some ways to serve as a local councillor right now,” said Laura Pin, a political science assistant professor at Laurier University.
Outgoing Waterloo mayor Dave Jaworsky says it’s a rewarding career.
“You’re working to make your neighbourhood better, you’re working to make your town better,” he said.
He said he believes the lack of candidates could be a reflection of how the pandemic changed workflow perspectives.
“They found a new work-life balance, and I think people are just enjoying their lives more and I think they really want to do that. So in a sense, it’s a bit of poor timing for the election to be happening now because people are just getting out there in the sun and enjoying their lives,” said Jaworsky.
Former Regional councillor, Jane Mitchell agrees, adding that the pandemic has changed other perspectives too.
She said hostility against politicians right now is a factor some may be considering. She's heard from current local politicians who say they've received death threats.
“Which we didn't get years ago. I mean, yeah people would phone you up and maybe swear or do stuff, but nothing like this,” said Mitchell.
The job comes with a lot of stress, and the pay for the job hasn’t kept up.
Pin said the pay is usually somewhere between $30,000 and $40,000 dollars a year, so many councillors also have to work additional jobs.
Pin said a lack of names could be a sign the public is happy with the sole name already set for the ballot.
“Some people might be watching just to see whose going to run in a race before they throw their hat in the ring, said Pin. “So it’s not over yet.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.